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The month-long winter campaign, launched in Cwmbran today, will start on December 1 and will see an increase in the number of roadside breath tests.

ACC Julian WilliamsLast year in Wales a total of 30,718 people were tested as part of the campaign with 488 returning either positive results or refusing to take the breath test.

Gwent Police are leading this year’s campaign with all four Welsh police forces taking part.

Assistant Chief Constable for Gwent Police, Julian Williams, said “anyone who tests positive for drink or drug driving will be arrested.

ACC Williams said: “1.5 per cent of people tested positively when breath tested last year. “It doesn’t seem a huge figure but it can inflict massive damage, not only on their own lives but on the communities they live in.

“We have a significant amount of officers who will be targeting people who drink and drug drive.

“If there’s 1,000 people a day being breath tested in Wales, I wouldn’t want to be drinking and driving because it’s likely they will get caught.”

ACC Williams added: “Christmas and New Year are a time for enjoyment and social events, and whilst I would encourage everyone to have a good time, it is important to reiterate our key message; if you drink, don’t drive and if you drive, don’t drink – it’s that simple!

“The smallest amount of alcohol can affect your ability to drive safely, so the only safe option is to not drink at all.

“It is also important to remember that if you have a drink in the evening you can still be over the limit the following morning, we will be conducting roadside breath tests 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

At the campaign launch, young people from around Wales were presented with prizes for their competition entries aimed at raising awareness of drink driving.

Road Safety Wales Chairwoman Susan Storch said: “Drivers need to be aware that regardless of the time of day they are caught, whether they are going to work or taking children to school, they will face the same penalties as someone who has chosen to drink heavily in a pub and driven at night. Our message is clear, never drive under the influence of drink or drugs, even the morning after.”